THE PEACE OFFER.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1918, Page 3

THE PEACE OFFER.

The “ Times ” comments on tho peace move; “If Germany wants peace, she must do away with the all-responsible braggart, tho Ivaiser, and speak through a Government of the jieople to the Allied peoples. It is not from Prince Maximilian, answerable only to tbe Imperial authority, that Germany’s plea must come. The conclusion which must bo asked is whether the peace overtures proposed by Germany and Austria would bring a peace of righteousness and permanence or would leave Imperial Germany unrepentant, harbouring plans for an evil awaiting the next favourable occasion of assault, upon the nations of the world.

IN THE SENATE

AMERICAN OPINION. (Received This Dav at. 12.25 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. .

In the Senate debate Mr. Nelson suggested that the question of an armistice was not one for American consideration. If Germany wanted an armistice let her sipply to General Foci), as Bulgaria di

THE FRENCH PRESS

LONDON, Oct. 7

Tiie French newspapers declare that tho only possible armistice must resemble Bulgaria’s.

NEWS BEHIND THE LINES

LONDON, Oct. 7

Phillip Gibbs writes: The news of tho German suggestion of an armistice caused much excitement behind tbe lines. Many saw therein a prospect of an early victory. Whatever may be •the result of the German offer our men regard it as a sign that the enemy realises the new military situation. He certainly is being forced to withdraw from his present positions in France and Belgium, whether or not of tho j armistice- results. ! Mr. Perris states: Amid tho sol- j dtors’ discussions on the armistice tho commonest phrase is, “No bargain.”

BRITISH PRESS OPINION. (Received This Dav at 1 \ 25 p.m > LONDON, October 7. Newspaper opinion generally does not regard Prince Max’s suggestion offers a basis for negotiations, though undoubtedly it reflects a decline of Germany’s war prospects. The “Chronicle” says the Entente’s formula is still restitution and guarantees. Prince Max’s programme falls short thereof.

The “Daily News’’ hopes President Wilson will make the most of his opportunity in the furtherance of a speech of which will mean that PrussTanism will be vanquished. The “Morning Post” remarks that Prince Max in appealing to President Wilson, hopes to divide 'the Entente. Germany can have an armistice when she accepts the Entente’s terms. The “Daily Telegraph” says Germany is trying to bargain, but this war won’t have a bargain peace.

M. CLEMENCEAU’S VIEWS. (Received this day at 1.36 p.m.)

PARIS, Sept. 7th

M. C’lemenceau in an interview stated (hat, ’Prince Max forgets that President Wilson laid down not only the fourteen points, but he equally emphasised that America would never deal with the autocratic Government of the Hohonzollerns.

Does the Chancellor think that his phantom Government of comical democratic aspect melts this condition, or convince President Wilson who will he asked to deal with a Government subject to Parliamentary control. Prince Max forgets President Wilson’s points are conditional on having confidence in those making peace proposals. Newspapers scornfully reject the proposals and declare that Germany does not accept President Wilson’s points, but merely proposes to take tlfcm as a basis for discussion.

Tlte Kaiser determined three months ago to impose German domination on the world. .

Count Hertling declared a fortnight ago that Germany would fight on and not ask for peace. Now the debacle-has come the Kaiser is asking for peace, hoping to avoid a disaster.

The Allies won’t stop fighting while German soldiers remained on Alliad soil.

Before Germany is granted IfTl armistice site must give pledges similar t > those that the Allies enacted from Bulgaria.

SENATOR LODGE’S OPINION.

WASHINGTON, October 7

In the Senate, Senator Lodge said it would he impossible to conceive that President Wilson would agree to German overtures. The mischief would he irretrievable if the United States started debates instead of winning the war.

SIR. J. ALLEN’S VIEWS. DUNEDIN, Tins t)av. Sir Jamc s Allen to-day made reference to the enemy peace movement. Ho said it is true Austria want s pence, hut Germany wants peae. It was also true that all' the world wants peace, but there is probably a great difference in the kind of peace, the opposing nations want. It is certain that the Allies who had the war deliberately thrust upon them and had t 0 meet an efficient force and hold it while they were actually preparing for war, want a. permanent peace with absolute security against a recurrence of the terrible experiences of the past four years, the responsible Governments of the Allied countries will jie on guard against any possible trickery on the part of the enemy and can bo depended upon to remain loyal to their aims and united in their successful action, and there can he no doubt about our armies in the field. They will not be betrayed into any slackening of their efforts. I have complete confidence in the final result of the war. Sir James Allen paid a- glowing tribute t 0 the splendid work of New Zealand soldiers in France and Palestine. Sir James Allen went, north with the departing troops.

fiiOIIVIDOSSV STIHY3 ’Z'M sy KVITVKaSAVj

AMERICAN COMMENT. (Received This Day at 8.45 a.m.) OTTAWA, Oct. 7. a *' v - The Canadian pres s unanimously rejeets tho possibility of peace negotiations, except on Germany’s complete surrender. It denounces tho peace move as merely an attempt to deceive Mr Wilson into bringing pressure on tbe Allies. NEW YORK, Oct. 7. A telegram from Bismarck, North Dakota .says Mr Roosevelt declares it is impossible to consider a peace made in Germany. It would be better to sacrifice the last man and the last dollar than allow Germany to dictate to the United States.